Case study of tuberculosis and COVID-19 coinfection in a tertiary hospital in Benue state, Nigeria: Rationale for integration of surveillance activities

Abstract

Several intervention strategies have been implemented to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) over the past three decades. The emergence of COVID-19 has disrupted most of these strategies, thereby reversing the gains made in the management of TB over time. This study highlighted the literature on TB and COVID-19, the challenges in making the diagnosis of TB and COVID-19 coinfection, and the rationale for the integration of surveillance activities using a case report of a 69-year-old pulmonary TB and COVID-19 coinfected patient who was first managed with COVID-19 in a tertiary health facility in Benue State, Nigeria, without much improvement. She was later re-assessed, diagnosed with drug-sensitive TB, and cured after a 6-month course of anti-TB regimen. This case indicates that the initially missed diagnosis of TB and the catastrophic effects could have been avoided if the TB and COVID-19 services were integrated.